Convertible camping pack frame



y 1966 F. w. WOODMAN 3,250,449

CONVERTIBLE CAMPING PACK FRAME Filed Oct. 7. 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet 1INVENTOR FRANK W. WOODMAN ATTORNEY May 10, 1966 F. w. WOODMANCONVERTIBLE CAMPING PACK FRAME 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. '7, 1963lNVENTOR FRANK W. WOODMAN 2% ATTORNEY y 1966 F. w. WOODMAN 3,250,449

CONVERTIBLE CAMPING PACK FRAME Filed Oct. '7, 1963 5 Sheets-Sheet 3NVENTOR FRANK W. WOODMAN ATTORNEY United States Patent.

3,258,449 CONVERTIBLE CAMPING PACK FRAME Frank W. Woodman, 348 N. Tracy,Wichita, Kans. Filed Oct. 7, 1963, Ser. No. 314,272 Claims. (Cl. 224-9)This invention relates to camping equipment. More specifically thisinvention relates to a novel convertible camping pack frame. Still morespecifically this invention relates to a combination camping pack frameadapted to be mounted on the .back of the wearer that can be convertedto an item of folding camp furniture.

Pack frames are old in the art. While the pack frames known to the artdate back to the earliest days of Rome and China, they have undergonevery little change in structure with the exception of the utilization ofmodern new light weight materials. Pack frames having a rigid frame arevery efficient for transporting relatively heavy loads over longdistances. They have been widely used by campers and others to carrycamping equipment, food, sporting equipment, etc. to relativelyinaccessible areas. However, after the camper has arrived at hisdestination bearing his load the conventional pack frame has little orno utility. The pack frames known to the prior art have in general asingle purpose or function, namely the transporting of a load, whichfunction ceases upon arrival.

Various types of convertible pack sacks and knap sack carrying framesthat can be converted to camp stools are known. However these knownapparatus have not proven entirely satisfactory in use. These carryingframes are not in general adapted to be used to carry large loads.Further, they are not comfortable and well balanced on the back of thewearer. The known pack frames do not have a resilient means adapted toengage the back of the wearer to make the frame comfortable and alsoprovide for air circulation. Without air circulation between the portionof the frame engaging the back of the wearer the pack unit isuncomfortable and is likely to chafe the wearers back, shoulders, etc.Still further, the folding camping stools and the like associated withknown frames, packs, etc. are very small, unstable, and not well suitedfor comfortable campingj The convertible pack frame of my invention hasa mountable frame means and a resilient support means on the frame meansfor engaging the back and shoulders of a wearer when the pack frame isin a mounted position. Strap means are provided for securing the packframe in mounted position on the back of the wearer. There is providedfolded means secured to the frame means adapted to form with the framemeans an item of a portable furniture.

A preferred specific embodiment of my pack frame is a combination packframe and foldable camp chair. This embodiment 'has a mountable framemeans, a resilient support means on the frame means for engaging the.hold them in a rigid supporting position.

Another preferred specific embodiment of my pack frame is a combinationpack frame and foldable camp stool. This embodiment includes a foldableframe means, resilient support means on the frame means for engaging theback and shoulders of the wearer, strap 3,250,449 Patented May 10, 1966means, and foldable means secured to the frame means adapted to formwith the frame a foldable camp stool. The foldable means includes legbars pivotally mounted on the frame and adapted to be secured in rigidsupporting relation tothe mountable frame means. A detachable platformmeans is provided which can be mounted on the frame means to provide aconvenient support for any load to be carried thereon.

Another preferred specific embodiment of my invention is a combinationpack frame and folding camp table and/or bed. The embodiment has amountable frame means, resilient support means on the frame means forengaging the back and shoulders of a person when in mounted position,strap means for securing the frame means in mounted position, andfoldable means secured to the frame means adapted to form with the framea foldable camp bed and/or a foldable cam table. The foldable meansincludes a foldahle rectangularframe means pivotally secured to theframe means and a foldable support means for the rectangular framemounted opposite the foldable frame means. When the embodiment of myinvention is to be used as a table a rigid fiat section top means isprovided which overlies the rectangular frame. I g

The convertible pack frame of my invention solves all of the problemsassociated with pack frames known to the prior art. With the pack frameof my invention a relatively heavy load can be easily and relativelyeffortlessly transported to the desired camping area, and when thedestination is reached'the pack frame can be con- 'verted into a usefulitem of camping furniture. Therefore, when the destination has beenreached by the camper the pack frame of my invention does not cease tobe usable but can be employed as a camping stool, a folding camp chair,a table, or a folding bed, depending on the specific embodiment of theinvention. The convertible pack frame of my invention is comfortable andwell balanced on theback of the .wearer thereby enabling him totransport relatively heavy loads without undue discomfort or effort. Thepack frame. of my invention is provided with a resilient portion-adaptedto engage the back of the wearer. This resilient portion of the packframe makes it comfortable to wear, and also provides for theventilation of air. The ventilation of air is very beneficial in that itmakes the wearing of the pack frame more comfortable and also provides acooling efliect which reduces chafing, etc. by dispelling of theperspiration norm-ally produced during a hike. Upon arrival at thecamping destination, the pack frame of my invention is convertible intoa sturdy useful itemof camping furniture which adds materially to theenjoyment and ovell being of the camper. The provision of a foldablemeans for converting the pack frame to an item of camping furniture doesnot. add an appreciable amount of weight to make the carrying of same anundue burden.

Thecombination packv frame and item of camping furniture of my inventionis a light weight, compact, sturdy uni-t.

It is an object of this invention to provide new camp ing equipment. i

It is another object of this invention to provide a pack frame that isconvertible to an item of foldahle camping furniture.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a convertible packframe that is light in weight, compac and comfortable to carry. 1

Yet another object of this invention is to provide a convertible packframe having a ventilated resilient portion that engages the back of thewearer.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a convertible packframe which can be unfolded to form l i a sturdy, useful, andcomfortable item of camping furniture. v Another object of thisinvention is to provide a pack frame which can be converted into afoldable camp chair.

pensive to produce;

Other objects and advantages of the invention will,

be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure set forthherein. a

Drawings of preferred specific embodiments of the invention accompanyand are a part hereof, and such are to be understood to not unduly limitthe scope of the invention. In the drawings,.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the convertible camping pack chair of myinvention in folded position.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the combination camping pack frame adapted tobe used as a folding chair shown in the unfolded positions usable as acamping chair.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of another embodiment of my invention,namely the convertible pack frame adapted to be unfolded into a campingbed or camping table shown'in the unfolded position forming a campingbed.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the specific embodiment of my invention shown inFIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of the embodiment of my invention shown inFIG. -3 illustrating the position of' the extensible leg portionsadapting it to be utilized as a camping table.

FIG. 6 is a view taken on line6-6 of FIG. 3.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary view of the embodiment of FIG. 3 showing thelocking means for the extensible legs in position, locking same infolded position.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing the embodiment of FIG. 3 in foldedposition utilizable as a pack frame.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of still another specific embodiment of myinvention namely, a combination pack frame and foldable camp stool shownin unfolded position forming a camp stool.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 10 illustratingit in the folded position unable as a pack frame.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary detail view illustrating the means locking theplatform to the pack frame shown in FIG. 10.

The following is a discussion and description of the new convertiblepack frame of my invention made with reference to the drawings, whereinthe same reference numerals are used to indicate the same or similarparts, and/or structure. The discussion and description are of preferredspecific embodiments of the new pack frame, and embodiments thereof, ofmy invention, and it is to be understood that such are not to undulylimit the scope of my three vertically spaced bars 18, each having acurved surface 19, a straight surface opposite thereof and paralleltransverse end surfaces. A rigid metal sheet covering 20 having aU-shaped cross section is secured to the reinforcing bars on thestraight and end surfaces thereof. The covering 20 can be of anysuitable material and be made in other equivalent forms if desired.Three strips 22 of web material, each strip being secured at its endportions to the end surfaces of the reinforcing bars 18,

span curve surfaces 19. Strips 22 can be of any suitable type material,as for example, canvas, plastic, etc. Two shoulder straps 24, eachafixed at one end portion to the upper reinforcing bar 18 slightlyspaced from the center thereof, and afiixed at the opposite end to thebottom reinforcing bar 18 slighty spaced from the center thereof, areprovided for supporting the pack frame 15 in mounted relation on theback of the wearer. U-shaped length of tubing 26 has a first set ofapertures 28 in the central portions of the respective legs, and anupper second set of apertures 30 spaced from said first set of apertures28. The tubing 26 can be of any suitable material, but is preferably ofa metal, most preferably of aluminum. A transverse brace 32 is joined tothe U-shaped tubing 26 adjacent the ends of the leg portions. Bolt meansare positioned in the first set of apertures 28 pivotaly securing theU-shaped tubing element 26 to the side portions of the sheet metalcovering 20 of frame 16. A set of parallel spaced lengths of tubing 34,provided with a first set of apertures 36 spaced from the upper endstheerof, and a second set of apertures 38 adjacent the upper endsthereof form with tubing 26 the foldable legs of the pack frame. Atransverse brace 40 joined to the lower ends of tubing lengths 34 areprovided. Bolt means are positioned in the firstset of aligned apertures36 securing lengths 34 to the sides of the rigid frame 16. A pair oflinks 42, having apertures in the ends thereof, are pivotally secured tothe U-shaped tubing 26 and the lengths of tubing 34. Bolt means joiningthe foldable legs and links 42 are positioned in the first set ofapertures 30 in the U-shaped tubing 26 and in the end apertures 38 ofthe lengths 34 and the associated apertures in link 42. The pack framein use is adapted to be utilized as a carrier for camping equipment andthe like when in the folded position shown in FIG. 1, and also as afoldable camp chair with the rigid frame 16 as the seat portion, the topportion of the U-shaped tubing 26 as the seat back, and the lower por-'tions of the U-shaped tubing and lengths of tubing 34 serving as thefoldable legs. The position of the camping frame means utilized as afoldable camp chair is shown in FIG. 2.

Another embodiment of my invention is a combination pack frame, foldablecamp table, and foldable camp bed 50 depicted in FIGS. 3-9. Mycombination pack frame foldable camp table and foldable camp bed has arigid frame 52 having two spaced and parallel U-shaped portions 54 witha first bar 56 rigidly joined at its ends to the adjacent ends ofU-shaped portions 54, and a second bar 58 rigidly joined at its ends tothe intermediate portions of .the opposite adjacent leg portions ofU-shaped portions 54. The U-shaped portions and bars can be of anysuitable type of materiaL- Preferably the bars are hollow tubularelements, preferably of aluminum or other suitable metal. The U-shapedmembers 54 and bars 56 'and 58 can be secured together with any suitabletype of connection as for example by welding, separate fixtures securedto each of the elements, etc. First hinge means 60 are joined to'theends of the last-mentioned leg portions of frame 52 on the U-shapedmembers 54. Three spaced bands of flexible material 62 are joined attheir respective ends to the base portions of U-shaped portions 54.Bands 62 can -be of any suitable type of material, but preferably iscanvas secured by clip means 64 to eyelets 65 secured to the baseportions of U-shaped elements 54. Shoulder straps 66 for securing therigid frame 52 in mounted position are joined to the first and secondbars 56 and 58 of the rigid frame 52. A foldable rectangular frame 68 ispivotally joined to rigid frame 52 with first hinge means 60. Thefoldable rectangular frame 68 has a first U-shaped portion 70 mounted atthe intermediate portions of the. leg portions on first hinge means 60.A second hinge means 72 is provided on the ends of the leg portions of U-shaped portion 70. An intermediate central portion is pivotally joinedto the first U-shaped portion 70 at one end thereof by second hingemeans 72. The intermediate portion is comprised of two parallel bars 74and two spaced and bowed transversely extending bars 76 joined to theparallel bars 74. Slidable tubular sleeves 78, mounted on therectangular frame are adapted to lock the second hinge means 72 inextended relation. A second U-shaped portion 80 having a third hingemeans 82 pivotally securing this U-shaped portion to the ends of theintermediate portion 74 is provided. Slidable tubular sleeves 78 aremounted on the rectangular frame to lock the third hinge means 82 inextended relation. Any other suitable locking means can be substitutedfor sleeves 78. A sheet of material, preferably of canvas 84, issuitably secured to the rectangular frame with lacing 85 in spanningrelationship. This sheet of material 84 can be of any suitable type ofmaterial either as a unitary sheet or in the form of strips eitherinterlacing or parallel. A third U-shaped leg portion 86 is joined tothe rectangular frame with a fourth hinge means 88 positioned at thelegs of the U- shaped portion 86 thus pivotally securing same to thesecond U-shaped portion 80 adjacent the .base portion thereof. A meansis provided to lock the U-shaped leg portion 86 in supportingrelationship, that is in a generally transverse position relative to therectangular frame, when it is in unfolded operative relationship. Thislocking means can be of any suitable type as for example a hinge means88 that locks, a folding locking bar or the. like. When the pack frameof my invention is set up in unfolded relationship, as illustrated inFIG. 3, it is adapted to be utilized as a camp bed.

When the convertible pack frame of my invention is to be used as a tablethe height of the rectangular frame 68 is desirably higher than whenused as a bed. For this purpose a set of extensible legs is provided.The unfolded position of these legs is depicted in FIG. 5 of thedrawings. The extensible legs are comprised of a first set of legs 90preferably lengths of metal tubing, mounted on the base portions of theU-shaped portions 54 of rigid frame 52. Removable rubber tips 91 can beprovided. The legs 90 are pivotally mounted to the rigid frame 52 atpivot points 92. A slidable lock means for locking the legs in extendedposition is provided, consisting of a slidable cylinder 94 mounted onthe base portions of U-shaped portions 54 and having a pin 96. Theslidable lock means is clearly shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 of thedrawings. When the legs are in extended position as shown in FIGS. 5 and6 and pin 96 is disposed in the open end of leg bar 90, the tip 3'1being removed. When the legs 90 are rotated in their unfolded positionas shown in FIG. 3 the lock means is disposed on rigid frame 52 as shownin FIG. 8 with pins 96 disposed in the opposite ends of legs 90. Ifdesired the extensible legs 90, when in unfolded position, can besecured to lie parallel to the base portions of U-shaped portions 54 byany other suitable means as for example by tying. A second set of legbars 100 are pivotally mounted on the leg portions of third U-shaped legportion 86 in generally the same manner that leg bars 90 are mounted onrigid frame 52. A locking means having a slidable cylinder 94 and pin 96is provided to lock the second set of leg bars 100 in either extended orretracted position. i

A detachable table top 104 comprised of a first rigid sheet of materialoverlying the first U-shaped portion 70, a second rigid sheet overlyingthe intermediate portion, and a third rigid sheet of material overlyingthe second U-shaped portion 80. Clamp means are provided for detachablysecuring the sections of table top 104 to the respective underlyingrectangular frame portions. The leg bars, U-shaped portions, and bracesof the aforementioned pack frame of my invention can be made of anysuitable type of material. Preferably these elements are made of ahollow tubular metal, preferably aluminum in order to reduce the weight.The various elements can be either welded or otherwise joined withsuitable fittings to each other. The pack frame in use is adapted to bealternately used as a carrier for camping equipment, a folding camp bed,or a foldable camp table. As illustrated in FIG. 9 my combination packframe when in folded position is adapted to receive a pack bag 106 inmounted relation thereon. If desired, additional locking means can beprovided for locking the folded sections of the rectangular frame intothe position illustrated in FIG. 9. The rectangular frame can bemaintained in this position by tying, or by the bag 106, or any othersuitable means.

Still another embodiment of my combination pack frame is depicted inFIGS. l0, l1, and 12. My combination pack frame and foldable camp stool110 has a rigid frame 112 having two parallel curved bars 114 eachprovided with two apertures 116 spaced from the ends thereof, and twostraight bars 118 rigidly joined to the respective adjacent ends ofcurved bars 114. A canvas sheet 120 is secured to the straight bars 118and spans the curved bars 114. It is understood that the sheet 120 canbe of any suitable type of material such as canvas, plastic, rubber,etc. Furthermore sheet 120 can be in the form of interwoven or parallelstrips of material. Two shoulder straps 122 are secured to the rigidframe 112 by hooks 124 secured to curved bars 114. A first set of legbars 126 is provided with each bar thereof being pivotally secured atits end portion to an end of the straight bars 118 by bolt means 128 andbeing provided with an aperture 130 in the central portion. A second setof leg bars 132 are pivotally mounted on the first set of leg bars 126.The individual bars of set of bars 132 are joined at the upper ends witha cross bar 133. Each of the second leg bars 132 engage the rigid frame112 at the junction of one of curved bars 114 and the straight bars 118to thereby lock the respective first and second leg bars in unfoldedsupporting relationship. The second set of leg bars 132 are providedwith apertures in the center thereof and have a bolt means positioned inthe apertures 130 in the first set of leg bars and extending through therespective apertures in said second set of leg bars connecting same inpivotal relationship. A detachable L- frame platform 134 comprising arigid back portion and a flat extending support portion 136 positionedat the bottom of the back portion and extending at right angles theretois provided. Four protruding L-shaped hook means 138 are secured to theback portion and positioned so that the extending leg portions of thehooks are insertable in the apertures 116 in the curved bars 114. Thisrelationship is clearly shown in FIG. 12 of the drawings. Thus, theL-frame platform 134 can be detached from the rigid frame portion of thepack frame, and the legs unfolded as shown in FIG. 10 to provide afoldable camp stool. The foldable camp stool has a seat comprised of therigid frame 112 with the canvas sheet portion 120 serving as a resilientportion. It is understood that the bar members, leg members, etc. ofthis embodiment can be made of any suitable material and can be securedtogether in any suitable manner. Preferably the leg bars and associatedelements of this preferred embodiment are of a hollow tubular metal,preferably aluminum, and are secured to gether with suitable securingmeans such as welding, fittings, etc. The pivotal connections can bereinforced with suitable elements if desired.

While I have described and illustrated preferred embodiments of myinvention, it is understood that the combination pack frame of myinvention as disclosed may be made in other forms than herein describedand suggested without departing from the spirit of my invention.

I claim:

1. A pack frame comprising a mountable frame having between oppositesides thereof bar-like members, one outer side of said frame having acamping furniture surface means thereon for use in camping, the otherouter side of said frame having resilient support means thereon, a spacebetween said resilient support means and said bar-like members -withinthe confines of said frame, said resilient support means constructed andadapted for yieldably engaging when in mounted position the back andshoulders of a wearer of same, strap means for se curing said pack framein mounted position, foldable support means pivotally secured to saidframe constructed and adapted to form with said frame an item ofportable camping furniture.

2. A combination pack frame and foldable camp chair comprising, a rigidframe having three vertically spaced reinforcing bars, each having acurved surface, a straight surface opposite thereof, and parallel.transverse end surfaces, a rigid sheet metal covering having a U-shapedcross section secured to said reinforcing bars on the straight and endsurfaces thereof, three strips of web material, each strip being securedat its end portions to the end surfaces of a reinforcing bar andextending across said curved surface, and two shoulder straps, eachaffixed at one end portion to the upper reinforcing bar slightly spacedfrom the center thereof, and affixed at the opposite end to the bottomreinforcing bar slightly spaced from the center thereof, a U-shapedlength of aluminum tubing having a first set of apertures in the centralportion of each respective leg, and an upper second set of aperturesspaced from said first set of apertures, a transverse brace joined tothe U-shaped tubing adjacent the ends of the leg portions, bolt meanspositioned in said first set of apertures pivotally securing saidU-shaped tubing to the side portions of sheet metal covering of saidrigid frame, a set of parallel spaced lengths of aluminum tubingprovided with a first set of apertures spaced from the upper endsthereof, and a second set of apertures adjacent the upper ends thereof,a transverse brace joined to the lower ends of said lengths of tubing,bolt means positioned in said first set of aligned apertures securingsaid lengths to the s des of the rigid frame, a pair of links pivotallysecured to said U-shaped tubing and said lengths of tubing havingapertures in the ends thereof, bolt means positioned in said second setof apertures in said U-shaped tubing and in end apertures of said links,and bolt means positioned in said second set of apertures in said lengthof tubing and opposite end apertures of said links, said pack frame inuse adapted to be alternately utilized as a carrier for campingequipment and the like, and also as a foldable camp chair with the rigidframe as the seatportion, the top portion of the U-shaped tubing as aseat back, .and the lower portions of the U-shaped tubing and lengths oftubing functioning as foldable legs.

3. A combination pack frame and foldable camp chair comprising, a rigidframe having vertically spaced reinforcing bars each bar having a curvedsurface and a straight surface opposite thereof, a rigid covering havinga U-shaped cross section secured to said reinforcing bars, resilientmeans secured to said rigid frame and spanning said curved surface ofsaid reinforcing bars, strap means on said rigid frame adapted to securesame in mounted position, a U-shaped bar pivotally mounted at its centerportion to said rigid frame, brace means secured to the end portions ofsaid U-shaped bar, a set of leg bars pivotally mounted at the topportion to said rigid frame, a brace means connecting the lower ends ofsaid set of leg bars, a set of link means, each link means joined at oneend to a leg of said U-shaped bar above the pivotal mounting securingsame to said rigid frame, and at the other opposite end to the extremetop end of one of said set of leg bars, said pack frame in use adaptedto be alternately used as a carrier for camp equipment and the like andalso as a folding camp chair with the rigid frame as the seat portion,the top portion of said U-shaped bar as the seat back and the lowerportions of the U-shaped bar and length of tubing functioning as legs.

4. A combination pack frame and foldable chair comprising, a rigid framehaving parallel curved reinforcing bars, covering means secured to saidreinforcing bars, resilient sheet material secured to said rigid frameand spanning said curved reinforcing bars, strap means on said rigidframe for securing same in mounted position, a U-shaped bar pivotallymounted adjacent the center portions of the legs to said rigid frame,leg means having parallel spaced bar portions pivotally mounted at apoint spaced from the ends thereof on said rigid frame, a set of linkmeans associated with said U-shaped bar and said leg means, each linkbeing secured at one end portion to said U-shaped bar at a point spacedfrom the pivotal mounting securing same to said rigid frame and at theopposite end to the extreme top portion of a bar of said leg means, saidpack frame in use adapted to be alternately utilized as a carrier forcamping equipment and the like and also as a foldable camp chair withthe rigid frame as the seat portion and the top portion of said U-shapedbar as a seat back and the lower portions of the U-shaped .bar and legmeans functioning as legs.

5. A combination pack frame and foldable camp chair comprising, amountable frame having between opposite sides thereof bar-like members,one outer side of said frame'having seat means thereon to provide in usea surface on which'to sit, the other outer side of said frame havingresilient support means thereon, a space between said resilient supportmeans and said barlike members within the confines of said frame, saidresilient support means constructed and adapted for yieldably engagingwhen in mounted position the back and shoulders of a wearer of same,strap means on said frame means for securing same in mounted position,foldable means secured to said frame means adapted to form with saidframe means a foldable camp chair, said foldable means including a firstset of relatively long laars pivotally mounted on said rigid frame andincludmg a back portion secured to the end portions, relatively shortleg portions pivotally secured to said rigid frame, and a link meansoperatively secured to said first and second leg means to correlate themovement therebetween and hold same in a rigid open position.

6. A combination pack frame and foldable camp stool comprising, a rigidframe having two parallel, curved bars each provided with two aperturesspaced from endsthereof, two straight bars rigidly joined to therespective adjacent ends of said curved bars, a canvas sheet secured tosaid straight bars and spanning said curved bars, a space between saidcanvas sheet and said curved bars within the confines of said frame,said canvas sheet constructed and adapted for yieldably engaging when inmounted position the back and shoulders of a wearer of same, two hookssecured to each of said curved bars, two shoulder straps secured to saidhooks, a first set of leg bars, each leg bar being pivotally secured atits end portion to an end of one of said straight bars and beingprovided with an aperture in the central portion, a second set of legbars pivotally mounted on said first set of leg bars, each of saidsecond leg bars adapted to-have an end engage the frame at the junctionof said curved and straight bars to thereby lock the respective saidfirst and second set of bars in unfolded supporting relationship, saidsecond set of leg bars provided with apertures in the centers thereof,bolt means positioned in each of said apertures in said first set ofbars and extending through the respective apertures in said second setof leg bars connecting same in pivotal relationship, a detachableL-frame platform comprising, a rigid flat back portion, a flat extendingsupport portion positioned at the bottom of said back portion andextending at a right angle thereto, four protruding L-shaped hook meanssecured to said back portion and positioned so that the extending legportions of the hooks are insertable in said apertures in said curvedbars, said pack frame in use adapted to be alternately utilized as acarrier for camping equipment, and also as a foldable camp stool withthe canvas sheet of said rigid frame as a seat, and the leg barsunfolded and supporting said frame.

7. A combination pack frame and foldable camp stool comprising, a rigidframe having parallel curved bars each provided with two aperturesspaced from the ends, two straight bars rigidly joined to the respectiveadjacent ends of said curved bars, a flexible sheet secured to saidstraight bars, a space between said flexible sheet and said curved barswithin the confines of said frame, said flexible sheet constructed andadapted for yieldably engaging when in mounted position the back andshoulders of a wearer of same, shoulder straps secured to said curvedbars for maintaining said frame in mounted position, a first set of legbars, each bar of said first set being pivotally secured in its endportion to one of said straight bars and provided with an aperture inthe center portion, a second set of leg bars pivotally mounted at thecenter portions thereof to said first set of leg bars, bolt meanspositioned in said apertures in said first set of bars pivotallysecuring said second set of leg bars to said first set of leg bars, adetachable L-frame platform comprising, a rigid back portion, hook meanssecured to said back portion insertable in said apertures in said curvedbars of said rigid frame, and a flat rigid extending support portionsecured to the bottom of said back portion, said pack frame in useadapted to be alternately utilized as a carrier for camping equipment,and also as a fold ing camp stool with the resilient sheet of said rigidframe sewing as a seat and the leg bars unfolded and supporting saidrigid frame.

8. A combination pack frame and foldable camp stool comprising, a rigidframe having generally parallel curved bars, elongated bars rigidlyjoined to the respective end of said curved bars, a resilient sheet ofmaterial securedto said elongated bars, a space between said resilientsheet of material and said curved bars Within the confines of saidframe, said resilient sheet of material constructed and adapted foryieldably engaging when in mounted position the back and shoulders of awearer of same, strap means secured to said rigid frame adapted tosecure same in mounted position, a first set of leg bars, each of saidfirst set of leg bars being pivotally secured at its end portion to oneof said elongated bars, a second set of leg bars, each of said secondleg bars being pivotally mounted on the intermediate portion of one ofsaid first set of legs at the intermediate portion thereof, a detachableplatform means comprising a back portion, means on said back portion todetachably secure same to said rigid frame, and an extending bottomportion joined to said back portion, said pack frame in use adapted tobe alternatelyutilized as a carrier for camping equipment and the like,and also as a folding stool with the resilient sheet of said rigid frameas the seat and the leg bars unfolded in supporting relation thereto.

9. A combination pack frame and foidable camp stool comprising, amountable frame having between opposite sides thereof bar-like members,one outer side of said frame having seat means thereon to provide in usea surface-on which to sit, the other outer side of said frame havingresilient support means thereon, a space between said resilient supportmeans and said bar-like members Within the confines of said frame, saidresilient support means constructed and adapted for yieldably engagingwhen in mounted position the back and shoulders of a wearer of same,strap means on said frame means for securing same in mounted position,foldable means secured to said frame means adapted to form with saidframe means a foldable camp stool, said foldable means including legbars pivotally mounted on said frame means and adapted to be secured inrigid supporting relation and also in folded compact relationship, adetachable platform means mountable on said frame means, said pack frameadapted to be used alternately as a pack frame for carrying campingequipment and the like, and also as a foldable stool With the resilientsupport means of said frame means as the seat and the foldable meansunfolded in supporting relation thereto.

10. A combination pack frame, foldab-le camp table, and foldable campbed comprising, a rigid frame comprising, two spaced and parallelU-shaped portions, a first bar rigidly joined at its ends to adjacentends of said U-shaped portions, and a second bar rigidly joined at itsends to the intermediate portions of the opposite adjacent leg portionsof said U-shaped portions, first hinge means joined to the ends of saidlast-mentioned leg portions, three spaced bands of flexible materialjoined at their respective ends to the base portions of said U-shapedportions, a space between said bands of flexible material and said barswithin the confines of said frame, said bands of flexible materialconstructed and adapted for yieldably engaging when in mounted positionthe back and shoulders of a wearer of same, shoulder straps for securingsaid rigid frame in mounted position joined to said first and secondbars of same, a foldable rectangular frame comprising, a first U-shapedportion pivotally mounted at the intermediate portions of the legportions on said first hinge means, a second hinge means on the ends ofthe leg portions of said first U-shaped portion, an intermediate centralportion pivotally secured to said first U-shaped portion at one endthereof by said second hinge means, said intermediate portion comprisedof two parallel bars and two spaced and bowed transversely extendingbars joined to same, a slidable tubular sleeve mounted on saidrectangular frame adapted to lock said second hinge in extendedrelation, a second U-shaped portion, third hinge means pivotallysecuring said second U-shaped portion at the ends of the legs thereof tothe intermediate portion, a slidable tubular sleeve mounted on saidrectangular frame adapted to lock said third hinge means in extendedrelation, a sheet of canvas secured to said rectangular frame andspanning same, a third U-shaped leg portion,

fourth hinge means positioned on the ends of the legs of said thirdU-shaped portion pivotally securing same to said second U-shaped portionadjacent the base por tion thereof, extensible leg means comprising, afirst set of legs pivotally mounted on the base portions of saidU-shaped portions of said rigid frame, slidable lock means on saidlast-mentioned base portions for locking said first set of legs ineither extended or retracted position, a second set of leg barspivotally mounted on the leg portions of said third U-shaped legportion, slidable lock means on the legs of said third U-shaped portionto lock said second set of leg bars in either extended or retractedposition, a detachable table top comprising, a first rigid sheet ofmaterial overlying said first U- shaped portion, a second rigid sheet ofmaterial overlying said intermediate portion and a third rigid sheet ofmateral overlying said second U-shaped portion, clamp means fordetachably securing said table top to the respective underlyingrectangular frame portions,-

said pack frame in use adapted to be alternately used as a carrier forcamping equipment, a foldable camp bed, and a foldable camp table.

11. A combination pack frame, foldable camp table, and foldable campbed, comprising, a rigid frame comprising spaced and parallel ,U-shapedportions, a first bar rigidly joined at its ends to the adjacent ends ofsaid U-shaped portions, a second bar rigidly joined at its ends to theintermediate portions of the opposite adjacent leg portions of saidU-shaped portions, and spaced bands of flexible material joined to thebase portions of said U-shaped portions, a space between said bands offlexible material and said bars within the confines of said frame, saidbands of flexible material constructed and adapted for yieldablyengaging When in mounted position the back and shoulders of a wearer ofsame, strap means secured to said rigid frame for securing same inmounted position, a foldable rectangular frame comprising, a firstU-shaped portion pivotally mounted at the intermediate portions of theleg portions on said first hinge means, an intermediate central portionpivotally secured to said first U-shaped portion, a second U- shapedportion pivotally secured to said intermediate portion, means to lockthe portions of said rectangular frame in a rigid planar position, aresilient sheet of material secured to said rectangular frame, a thirdU-shaped leg portion pivotally secured at the ends of the legs thereofto said third U-shaped portion adjacent the base portion of same,extensible leg means comprising, a first set of legs on said rigid framepivotally mounted on the base portions of said U-shaped portions of saidrigid frame, lock means for securing same in either extended orretracted positions, a second set of leg means pivotally mounted on theleg portions of said third U-shaped leg portion, lock means forselectively securing said second set of leg bars in either retracted orextended positions, a detachable table top comprising a first rigidsheet of material overlying said first U-shaped portion, a second rigidsheet of material overlying said intermediate portion, and a third rigidsheet of material overlying said second U-shaped portion, clamp meansfor detachably securing said table top sections to the respectiveunderlying rectangular frame, said pack frame in use adapted to bealternately used as a carrier for camping equipment and the like, afoldable bed, and a foldable camp table.

12. A combination pack frame, foldable camp table and foldable camp bedcomprising, a rigid frame comprising, .t'wo spaced and parallel U-shapedportions, and means joining said U-shaped portions in spacedrelationship, spaced bands of material joined at their respective endsto the base portions of said U-shapcd portions, a space between saidspaced bands of material and means joining said U-shaped portions Withinthe confines of said frame, said spaced bands of material constructedand adapted for yieldably engaging when in mounted position the back andshoulders of a wearer of same, strap means secured to said rigid framefor securing same in mounted position, a foldable rectangular framepivotally secured to said rigid frame comprising, a first U-shapedportion pivotally mounted at the intermediate portions of the legportions to said rigid frame, an intermediate portion pivotally securedto said first U- shaped portion, a second U shaped portion pivotallysecured to said intermediate central portion, means to lock the portionsof said rectangular frame in a planar relationship, leg means pivotallysecured to said third U- shaped portion, a resilient sheet of materialsecured to said rectangular frame, extensible leg means comprising, legbars pivotally mounted on said U-shaped portions of said rigid frame,lock means for securing said leg bars in operative position, a secondset of leg bars secured to said leg means, lock means for securing saidleg bars to said leg means in an operative position, a sectioneddetachable table top mounted on said rectangular frame, clamp means fordetachably securing said table top to said rectangular frame, said packframe in use adapted to be alternately used as a carrier for campingequipment, a foldable camp bed, and a foldable camp table.

13. A combination pack frame and foldable camp bed, comprising a rigidframe comprised of two spaced and parallel U-shaped portions, meansrigidly securing otally joined to an intermediate central portion, aflexible sheet means secured to said rectangular frame spanning same,leg means secured to said rectangular frame opposite said rigid frame,said pack frame in use adapted to be alternately used as a carrier forcamping equipment and the like and a foldable camp bed.

14. A combination pack frame and foldable camp bed comprising, amountable frame having between opposite sides thereof bar-like members,one outer side of said frame having bed means thereon to provide in usea surface, on which to lay, the other outer side of said frame havingresilient support means thereon, a space between said resilient supportmeans and said bar-like members within the confines of said frame, saidresilient support means constructed and adapted for yieldably engagingwhen in mounted position the back and shoulders of a wearer of same,strap means on said frame means for securing same in mounted position,foldable means secured to said frame means adapted to form with saidframe means a foldable camp bed, said foldable means including asectioned rectangular frame pivotally mounted on said frame means, aflexible material secured to and spanning said rectangular frame, and afoldable support means on the end of said rectangular frame oppositesaid frame means for supporting same, said pack frame in use adapted tobe alternately used as a carrier for camping equipment and a foldablecamp bed with the rectangular frame as the support means thereof.

15. A combination pack frame and foldable camp table comprising, amountable frame having between opposite sides thereof bar-like members,one outer side of said frame having table means thereonto provide in usea surface on which to eat, the other outer side of said frame havingresilient support means thereon, a space between said resilient supportmeans and said bar-like members within the confines of said frame, saidresilient support means constructed and adapted for yieldably engagingwhen in mounted position the back and shoulders of a wearer of same,strap means on said frame means for securing same in mounted position,foldable means secured to said frame means adapted to form with saidframe means a foldable camp table, said foldable means including afoldable rectangular frame means pivotally secured to said frame means,foldable support means for said rectangular frame means mounted oppositesaid mountable frame means, and a rigid, fiat, sectioned top meansoverlying said rectangular frame.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,689,603 9/1954Smith 297-24 2,843,185 7/1958 Clem l50 2,964,222 12/ 1960 Rainwater 224-9 GERALD M. FQRLENZA, Primary Examiner. HUGO O. SCHULZ, Examiner.

1. A PACK FRAME COMPRISING A MOUNTABLE FRAME HAVING BETWEEN OPPOSITESIDES THEREOF BAR-LIKE MEMBERS, ONE OUTER SIDE OF SAID FRAME HAVING ACAMPING FURNITURE SURFACE MEANS THEREON FOR USE IN CAMPING, THE OTHEROUTER SIDE OF SAID FRAME HAVING RESILIENT SUPPORT MEANS THEREON, ASPACED BETWEEN SAID RESILIENT SUPPORT MEANS AND SAID BAR-LIKE MEMBERSWITHIN THE CONFINES OF SAID FRAME, SAID RESILIENT SUPPORT MEANSCONSTRUCTED AND ADAPTED FOR YIELDABLE ENGAGING WHEN IN MOUNTED POSITIONTHE BACK AND SHOULDERS OF A WEARER OF SAME, STRAP MEANS FOR SECURINGSAID PACK FRAME IN MOUNTED POSITION, FOLDABLE SUPPORT MEANS PIVOTALLYSECURED TO SAID FRAME CONSTRUCTED AND ADAPTED TO FORM WITH SAID FRAME ANITEM OF PORTABLE CAMPING FURNITURE.